Belfast Weather: What to Expect This December and Winter Season

Understanding Belfast’s Winter Weather Patterns

As Northern Ireland’s capital city navigates through December 2025, residents and visitors are experiencing the characteristic weather patterns that define Belfast’s winter season. Understanding these conditions is essential for planning daily activities, travel arrangements, and outdoor events during one of the year’s most unpredictable months.

Current Weather Conditions and December Forecast

Daytime temperatures usually reach 8°C in Belfast in December, falling to 2°C at night, creating a chilly atmosphere that requires proper winter clothing. Changeable weather will continue to dominate in the run-up to Christmas before high pressure builds bringing drier but colder conditions, according to the latest Met Office updates.

There are usually 20 days with some rain in Belfast in December and the average monthly rainfall is 94mm, making waterproof outerwear essential for anyone venturing outdoors. The city experiences limited sunshine during this period, with normally 1 hour of bright sunshine each day in Belfast in December – that’s 18% of daylight hours.

What Makes Belfast’s December Weather Unique

The shift into December in Belfast reveals an average high-temperature of a still chilly 7.3°C (45.1°F), closely mirroring November’s climate. December nights reflect a consistent temperature dip to a cold 3.9°C (39°F). While snowfall remains modest, in December, during 1.2 snowfall days, 6mm (0.24″) of snow is typically accumulated, occasionally transforming the city into a winter wonderland.

The combination of an average relative humidity of 88% and persistent cloud cover creates the damp, overcast conditions Belfast is known for during winter months. During December average daily high temperatures decrease from 47°F to 45°F and it is overcast or mostly cloudy about 66% of the time.

Significance for Residents and Visitors

Belfast’s December weather significantly impacts daily life, from transportation schedules potentially affected by wet conditions to increased energy consumption for heating. For tourists planning festive season visits, understanding these weather patterns helps ensure appropriate preparation and realistic expectations. The city’s Christmas markets and seasonal events continue regardless of conditions, with locals well-adapted to their maritime climate. As winter progresses, monitoring daily forecasts becomes increasingly important for anyone with outdoor plans in Northern Ireland’s bustling capital.